Now hear this: Beer week starts Friday. But how to avoid the dull draft dork? Take a look.

Beer and ArtWhat: Get cerebral without being boring at an opening reception with work from Julieanne Ahn and bevs from Bella Vista Beer & Soda Distributor.Why: Better than a Dixie cup of cheap wine.When: Fri., 6-8 p.m.Where: Art in the Age, 116 N. Third St. (215-922-2600). R.S.V.P. to info@artintheage.com.

Midfoot Shoe: Ecco BIOM line designed to keep the foot lower to the ground

Developed in conjunction with renowned biomechanist Peter Bruggeman of the University of Cologne, ECCO's new BIOM line of shoes (eccousa.com) was designed with the notion that when the foot is lower to the ground, a runner will have better proprioception and resort to a more natural running gait. The top-of-the-line BIOM A -- available with either a yak leather ($220) or textile mesh upper ($195) -- has a polyurethane midsole that provides cradling support and a significantly beveled heel to better accommodate a midfoot gait.

The Omlettes Are Delish, But Next Thing You Know It's Goats In The Living Room

I'm going to resist the urge to make any chicken-related puns in this post, which concerns urban egg farming and why those of you living in Philadelphia might give a cluck. DAMN! Oh well.

As the economy continues to wither, people continue to look for ways to become more self-sufficient. My guess is, this summer anyone with a patch of yard or enough room on the deck for a few good-sized planting pots will have a Recession Garden out back -- the ultimate local-food statement.

Lunch with the CITY's LEADERS Access and insight into the powers that shape our city

Thursday, February 26 Steven Grasse CEO Quaker City Mercantile, Inc. Steven Grasse has been around. Born in Souderton, PA, a small Mennonite farming community outside Philadelphia in 1964, his career has had many turns, swerves and curves - and he's thoroughly enjoyed the trip. During his college years at Syracuse University, where he earned a degree in Advertising from the Newhouse School, Grasse traveled the world doing internships at Bozel in Bangkok, Ogilvy + Mather in Hong Kong and TBWA in London. He speaks fluent Thai and Nepalese. He decided against taking jobs with Young and Rubicam in New York and with McCann Erickson in Singapore.

Art in the Age and Pennsylvania Brewery Historian, Rich Wagner, Present: Chronology of Technology, Philadelphia's Brewing Industry Exhibition: March 6th- March 31st

Art in the Age is excited to be working with noted Pennsylvania Brewery Historian, Rich Wagner to curate a historic beer exhibit in our gallery, for the month of March. The show will debut on the same day as Philly Beer Week, March 6th with an opening reception from 6-8pm. In addition, we will also be hosting a narrated tour of the exhibition and meet and greet with Rich Wagner on March 11th. For a taste of past and present, we will be sampling local brews at both events. Our store and gallery is located at 116 N. 3rd St. in Philadelphia. www.artintheage.com